Physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a spouse or partner is a major factor in maternal and reproductive health, says Jay Silverman. read more
About the Global Health Initiative
Life and health are the most basic human rights, yet disparities between and within countries continue to grow–threatening political security and global stability. No single solution or institution can address the variety of health concerns the world faces. By leveraging, building on, and coordinating the Wilson Center’s strong regional and cross-cutting programming, the Global Health Initiative (GHI) promotes dialogue and understanding among practitioners, scholars, community leaders and policymakers. more
The Latest from the Global Health Initiative
Afghanistan Beyond the Headlines: Women, Youth, and the War
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June 24, 2013 // 12:00pm — 5:00pm
News coverage of Afghanistan has focused almost entirely on the war, leaving much of the country’s population—particularly women and girls—out of the headlines. The news isn’t good: Afghanistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world; girls on their way to school risk being assaulted; and youth face persistent low-level violence in cities and the countryside. Bringing together experts from a diversity of disciplines and policy areas, this half-day conference will examine how women and youth have fared during a decade of conflict, and the challenges and opportunities that they face in Afghanistan's uncertain future. more
Vision, Innovation, and Action to Address Child Marriage
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June 17, 2013 // 2:00pm — 4:30pm
Over the past decade, nearly 58 million girls were married before the age of 18. Child marriage is a truly global problem: In Africa, 42 percent of girls are married before turning 18, but it is also prevalent in parts of Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean (in South Asia, for instance, 46 percent of girls are married). Child brides often start childbearing early, leading to complications and producing high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality among girls in developing countries. Married girls are often forced to leave school, negatively affecting their ability to work and provide for their families. The panelists will describe current policies and programs working to support young women and delay marriage whenever possible. more
Woman-Centered Maternity Care, Family Planning, and HIV: Principles for Rights-Based Integration
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June 11, 2013 // 3:00pm — 5:00pm
Increasingly, family planning and HIV programs are seeking to expand their services to include maternal health care. The movement to integrate health services provides an important opportunity to share lessons learned across the different communities on their experiences with rights-based care. Join us for a discussion with experts in rights-based maternity care and its intersection with family planning and HIV. more
Addressing Disrespect and Abuse During Childbirth
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May 02, 2013 // 12:00pm — 2:00pm
A recent Atlantic article detailed the abuse of an Indian woman, by a health worker, as she undergoes a caesarean section. While strides have been made in providing access to maternal health care services – transportation, lower costs, education, etc. – there is evidence that quality of care, and perceptions of that quality, may be an equally important barrier more
Roger-Mark De Souza Named Director of Population, Environmental Change, and Security
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Apr 22, 2013
Noted population-environment expert Roger-Mark De Souza joins the Wilson Center as Director of Population, Environmental Change, and Security. De Souza will lead programs on reproductive and maternal health, environmental security, and livelihoods, including the Center’s Environmental Change and Security Program and the Global Health Initiative. more